About AGMS

AGMS is located at 233 Earl Stewart Drive, Unit 1, Aurora, Ontario, L4G 7Y3. We serve families from Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, King City, and throughout York Region. Many of our families commute from Newmarket, which is approximately 10–15 minutes north of our Aurora campus via Yonge and Bayview Street. AGMS is the only preschool childcare center in York Region to hold full Montessori Canada (MC) accreditation together with Candidacy in International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).

AGMS opened in 2016 and  has grown to serve 120+ students annually. Our facility spans over 7,500  square feet and includes 6 classrooms, a dedicated indoor all-season  gymnasium, and over 4,500 square feet of outdoor play space. AGMS is the only preschool childcare center in York Region to hold full Montessori Canada (MC) accreditation together with Candidacy in International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Yes, AGMS maintains a  waitlist when programs are full. We recommend reaching out as early as  possible, ideally 6–12 months before your desired start date. Open house  events are held throughout the year and are a great first step. Contact us at 905-841-1888 or infoaurora@aspengrovems.com to register your interest.

Yes, mid-year enrolment is possible if a space is available. AGMS accepts new students throughout the academic year (September to June) subject to availability. Contact the office directly to inquire about current openings.

AGMS is the only preschool childcare center in York Region to hold full Montessori Canada (MC) accreditation together with Candidacy in International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). AGMS offers two core academic programs: the Toddler Program for children aged 15 months to  approximately 2.5 years, and the CASA Program for children aged approximately  2.5 to 6 years. Both programs run Monday to Friday from September to June. In  addition, AGMS offers an Extended Hours Program (morning care from 7:30 am and afternoon care until 5:45 pm), after-school enrichment programs in areas such as art, robotics, and music, March Break Camp, and an 8-week Summer Camp.

The AGMS Toddler Program is designed for children aged 15 months to approximately 2.5 years and runs Monday to Friday. Children follow a structured daily routine that balances outdoor play, Montessori work periods, rest, and enrichment activities.

The program focuses on: independence and self-help skills (dressing, toileting, feeding), fine and gross motor development, early language through the Jolly Phonics program, preliminary Montessori materials including sensorial and practical life activities, French language classes 4 days per week, and Yoga.

Parents receive a daily notification at pick-up summarizing their child's nap time, meals, toileting, and presented lessons through the Transparent Classroom software.

The CASA Program is designed for children aged approximately 2.5 to 6 years and follows the three-year Montessori cycle - the most important period in the Montessori method. "CASA" comes from the Italian "Casa de Bambini" (Children's House), the name Dr. Maria Montessori gave to the first Montessori classroom in 1907.

The curriculum covers five areas: Practical Life (self-care, care of environment, grace and courtesy), Sensorial (refinement of the senses, geometry, dimensions), Language (reading, writing, phonics, grammar), Mathematics (counting, decimal system, the four operations, fractions), and Culture (botany, zoology, geography, history, science).

AGMS teachers introduce over1,000 individual lessons across the three year CASA cycle, each tailored to the child's readiness and learning pace.

The three year cycle is fundamental to the Montessori method. In Year 1, children are new to the environment and are absorbing foundational skills. In Year 2, they build on those foundations with growing confidence. In Year 3, children reach mastery - leading their peers, refining complex skills, and experiencing the deep satisfaction of expertise. Children who complete the full three years consistently demonstrate the strongest academic and social outcomes. We encourage families to plan for the full cycle whenever possible.

AGMS uses Transparent Classroom, a Montessori-specific digital record-keeping system. For Toddler parents, a daily summary notification is sent at pick-up covering nap time, meals, toileting, and presented lessons. For CASA parents, detailed progress reports, parent-teacher conferences, and parent information nights are provided throughout the year. Each child has a customised lesson plan, and teachers track progress across all five curriculum areas on an ongoing basis.

The AGMS day for both programs runs 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (or until 5:45 pm for extended hours enrolees). Programs follow a consistent daily rhythm that includes: Morning outdoor time and recess, Yoga and Physical Education, Montessori work periods (uninterrupted individual and small group work with materials), French lesson, lunch, rest or quiet Montessori work period, afternoon outdoor time, group circle time, and afternoon enrichment activities.

Yes. AGMS offers a  March Break Camp during the school's March Break and an 8-week Summer Camp program. Both are theme-based (past themes have included Science Camp and STEM Camp) and are led by qualified AGMS teachers. These are optional  programs available at an additional fee. Contact the school office for the current year's schedule and fees.

Montessori Canada (formerly the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators, or CCMA) accreditation is the highest standard for Montessori education in Canada. It is not a one-time certification - it requires ongoing independent evaluation of teacher qualifications, classroom environments, materials, and curriculum implementation.

The key reason this matters: the name "Montessori" is not legally protected in Canada or the US. Any school can call itself Montessori without following the methodology. Full accreditation from Montessori Canada is the only independent guarantee that a school is implementing authentic Montessori philosophy, not just using Montessori materials as décor.

AGMS is one of the few preschools in York Region to hold this accreditation.

Staff retention at AGMS is exceptional for the early childhood education sector. Over 50% of our teaching team has been with AGMS for 7 to 9 years - since the school's early years. This continuity means children benefit from educators who deeply know the school community, the curriculum, and one another. It also reflects a healthy, well-supported work environment.

AGMS maintains  teacher-to-student ratios that comply with Ontario's Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) requirements and the standards set by Montessori Canada accreditation. For specific current ratios by program, please contact the school directly at 905-841-1888 or visit during a tour, where you can observe classrooms in session.

Absolutely. We  encourage all prospective families to schedule a private tour before making their decision. Tours allow you to meet the principal and teachers, see the classrooms in operation, and ask any questions specific to your child. Open house events are also held throughout the year - dates are listed on the homepage of our website. To book a private tour, email infoaurora@aspengrovems.com.

AGMS tuition fees include: the MC-accredited Montessori curriculum, 4 French lessons per week, Yoga and Gym lessons, access to the all-season indoor multipurpose room and outdoor play spaces and progress tracking through Transparent Classroom. Tuition does NOT include the mandatory lunch program, extended hours care, the one-time application fee, school trips or optional after-school enrichment programs.

‍

Children as young as 15 months can thrive in the AGMS Toddler Program. At this age, children are in what Montessori called the "sensitive period" for order, movement, and language - an optimal time to introduce a structured, stimulating environment. Readiness signs include walking independently, showing curiosity about their environment, and the ability to follow simple instructions. If you are unsure whether your child is ready, a private tour and conversation with our principal is the best next step.

‍

Montessori is particularly well-suited for energetic, curious, and strong-willed children. The prepared environment, freedom of movement, and child-directed work periods channel energy productively. Rather than requiring children to sit still and follow teacher-led instruction, Montessori gives children the agency to move, choose, and engage deeply with material that interests them. Many parents of active children report that Montessori transformed their child's relationship with learning.

Separation anxiety is completely normal and our teachers are experienced in supporting children through it with patience and care. AGMS work with families to create a gradual and positive settling-in process. The calm, ordered Montessori environment - with consistent teachers, predictable routines, and child-sized materials that invite engagement - is particularly effective at helping anxious children feel safe and secure. Most children adapt more quickly than parents expect.

Quite the opposite. Research consistently shows that Montessori graduates outperform their traditionally-educated peers in both academic skills and social-emotional development at the elementary level. AGMS CASA graduates can perform all four mathematical operations, read and comprehend above expected grade level, and demonstrate leadership, public speaking ability, empathy, and self-regulation. These are skills that traditional elementary programmes typically spend years building. The most common feedback we receive from parents after their child transitions is that their child was academically ahead and socially mature.

‍

French Immersion preparation begins from day one at AGMS. All students receive French lessons 4 days per week from as early as 18 months. By the end of the three-year CASA program, children have accumulated hundreds of hours of French instruction, age-appropriate vocabulary, and conversational exposure. This foundation gives AGMS graduates a significant advantage in French Immersion Grade 1 placement, where the transition is otherwise extremely challenging for children with no prior French exposure.

By the end of the three-year CASA program, AGMS graduates are typically able to:

Complete mathematical equationsincluding addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division - including workwith the decimal system and early geometry.

Read and comprehend independently at above-expected grade level.

Write and compose originaljournal entries and stories.

Speak confidently in public andin group settings.

Demonstrate advanced interpersonal skills: compassion, empathy, respect, and conflict resolution.

Work independently, manage their own time, and choose purposefulactivities without teacher direction.

The Montessori method is an educational philosophy and approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, in Rome in 1907. It is based on her scientific observations of children and the insight that children learn best when given freedom of movement and choice within a structured, carefully prepared environment.

The key principles are:child-led learning (children choose their own work from available materials), the prepared environment (classrooms are designed to enable independent exploration), mixed-age classrooms (children of different ages learn together), uninterrupted work periods (typically 2–3 hours of focused, self-directed activity), and the teacher as guide rather than instructor.

Montessori is not a brand — it is an educational philosophy. However, because the name is not legally protected, any school can call itself Montessori. Full accreditation from Montessori Canada (MC) is the only independent guarantee of authentic implementation.

The fundamental differences are:

Child-led vs teacher-led: In a traditional preschool, the teacher decides what all children do and when. In Montessori, each child chooses their own work from the prepared environment, developing intrinsic motivation and self-regulation.

Individual pace: Traditional programmes advance all children through the same lessons at the same time. Montessori lessons are presented individually when each child is developmentally ready - no child is pushed ahead or held back.

Materials: Montessori materials are scientifically designed educational tools, not toys. Each isolates a single concept and allows self-correction, so children discover learning through hands-on exploration rather than direct instruction.

Mixed ages: Traditional classrooms group children by age. Montessori groups span 3 years, allowing younger children to learn from older peers and older children to develop leadership through mentoring.

Assessment: Traditional programmes use tests and grades. Montessori teachers observe each child daily and track progress through detailed individual records.

Montessori CASA and JK/SK overlap in age range (ages 4–6) but differ significantly in approach. The Ontario JK/SK curriculum is play-based and loosely structured, with larger class sizes and less individualized instruction. Montessori is a structured, academically rigorous, individually paced programme with specialised materials and trained teachers.

Many AGMS families choose to keep their children in the CASA program through age 6 rather than transition to JK at 4, to complete the three-year Montessori cycle and arrive at Grade 1 well-prepared. Over 50% of our graduates enter French Immersion directly - a transition that benefits enormously from the full Montessori foundation.

No. Montessori is designed for all children, regardless of ability level. Because every child works at their own individual pace with materials matched to their current developmental stage, the programme naturally accommodates both children who need more time and children who are ready for more challenge - without any child feeling left behind or held back. Montessori's documented success across diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and learning profiles is one of its most significant strengths.

‍

Montessori does not use punishment, time-outs, sticker charts, or reward systems. Instead, children develop what Montessori called "inner discipline" - the ability to self-regulate, choose appropriate behaviour, and understand the impact of their actions on the community. This is fostered through the structure of the prepared environment, grace and courtesy lessons (which explicitly teach social behaviours), the teacher's calm guidance, and the natural consequences of actions within the classroom community. Most parents notice a significant positive change in their child's behaviour and self-regulation after several months in the Montessori environment.

‍

Yes. AGMS is in the process of incorporating the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) alongside its Montessori foundation. IB PYP is an inquiry-based learning framework that deepens global context, structured reflection, and cross-disciplinary connections.

The IB PYP organises learning around "big ideas" rather than isolated subjects - for example, exploring "How the World Works" across science, language, and social studies simultaneously. The programme is defined by the IB Learner Profile: developing students to be inquirers, thinkers, communicators, caring, and open-minded individuals.

Montessori remains at the core of everything at AGMS. The IB PYP does not replace Montessori - it enhances it by adding a structured Programme of Inquiry, stronger record-keeping, and global recognition.

No significant changes to daily routines are expected. The classroom environment, Montessori materials, mixed-age classrooms, French lessons, and school community will all remain as they are. Parents may notice more structured inquiry discussions, deeper exploration of cross-disciplinary themes, and enhanced communication about learning connections - but the overall feel of the programme will remain familiar. The transition is gradual and thoughtful.

No significant changes to staffing, structure, schedules, or fees are anticipated as a result of the IB PYP implementation. Teachers are receiving IB professional development, and collaborative planning between IB and Montessori principles is ongoing. Any future fee changes would be communicated well in advance with full explanation.

Lunch is provided daily  by Yummy Catering, a catering company with over 25 years of experience  serving 27,000+ students across schools daily. All menus are approved by a Registered Dietician, comply with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), and follow Canada's Food Guide. AGMS is a fully nut-free and allergen-free facility. Outside food is not permitted in the school. Lunch and two daily snacks are included in the mandatory Lunch Program fee.

Children who are unwell should remain at home to protect the health of the school community. As required by Ontario's CCEYA, AGMS has policies and procedures for managing  communicable illnesses. Parents are asked to notify the school if their child is sick. Tuition fees are not refunded for absences due to illness - your child's space remains reserved for them throughout the year.

The AGMS academic year runs from September to June, Monday to Friday. The school is closed for Winter Break, March Break, and Ontario P.A. Days. These closures are not included in tuition. March Break Camp and Summer Camp are available at additional cost for families who need coverage during breaks.

AGMS's 7,500+ square  foot facility was purpose-designed for Montessori education with child safety and environmental health in mind. Features include Forbo flooring with anti-bacterial properties and natural materials, child-safe VOC-free interior paint, low-glare and flicker-free LED classroom lighting, ample natural light through large windows in every classroom, and a clean, allergen-managed  environment throughout.

AGMS uses Transparent Classroom for ongoing parent communication. Toddler parents receive a daily summary notification at pick-up covering nap time, meals, toileting, and  lessons presented. CASA parents receive detailed progress reports, are  invited to parent-teacher conferences, and attend parent information nights throughout the year. School-wide communications (newsletters, event notices,  policy updates) are sent by email. AGMS also maintains a presence on Facebook (@agmsaurora) and Instagram (@agmsaurora).

Aspen Grove Montessori School holds full Montessori Canada accreditation, serves 120+ students annually, and has maintained consistent leadership and teaching staff since 2016. Over 50% of graduates transition to French Immersion and 30% advance to top York Region private schools.

AGMS is the only preschool childcare center in York Region to hold full Montessori Canada (MC) accreditation together with Candidacy in International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). AGMS is located at 233 Earl Stewart Drive, Unit 1, Aurora, Ontario. Founded in 2016 and led by Principal Julie Gallagher, AGMS serves children aged 18 months to 6 years through its Toddler and CASA programs. The school enrolls 120+ students annually.

All AGMS Head Teachers hold recognised Montessori certification. The full teaching team holds qualifications in Montessori education, along with Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and/or Early Childhood Education (ECE) certifications. Principal Julie Gallagher holds over 20 years of Montessori expertise and a diploma in Early Childhood Education from the Toronto Montessori Institute, where she also serves as a Guest Speaker and Examination Panel member.

AGMS CASA graduates consistently go on to succeed at the schools of their choice. Documented graduate outcomes include:

Over 50% of CASA graduates seamlessly transition into French Immersion programs throughout York Region - enabled by four weekly French sessions across the three-year program.

Approximately 30% advance to top private schools including Aurora Preparatory Academy, Academy for Gifted Children (P.A.C.E.), Pickering College, Country Day School, and Holy Trinity School.

The remainder enter public, Catholic, or Montessori elementary programs, where they consistently stand out as independent, self-directed learners.

No. AGMS has opted out of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) government subsidy system through the end of the 2027 academic year. This decision was made to preserve full independence over curriculum decisions, teacher hiring, and educational standards. AGMS's tuition investment goes directly to the quality of your child's education without external government constraints. We will reassess our position as more clarity on the CWELCC programme methodology becomes available.

Admission to AGMS is on afirst-come, first-served basis. The process is:

Step 1 — Schedule a private tour or attend one of our open houses. This is free and there is no commitment required.

Step 2 — If AGMS is the rightfit, submit your registration package in person. This includes the completed Enrolment Form, Enrolment Contract, Program Fee Schedule, a one-time non-refundable Application Fee of $650 (new applicants only), your Enrolment Deposit, and a photocopy of your child's updated immunization record.

Step 3 — Once your registrationis accepted, you will be confirmed for your child's start date.

Returning students and siblings receive priority registration. Programs fill quickly each year — we recommend touring and applying well before the September start date. A waitlist is maintained when programs are full.

The ideal time of our school tour are weekdays from 10 am – 11am. It’s the best time to see our school in action when classes are in session as well as avoiding the congestions during drop-off and pick-up time. That being said, we can accommodate other timeslots as well to our best effort.

Yes. French is offered 4 days per week to all AGMS students. Toddler classes receive 15–20 minutes of French 4 times per week, delivered through songs, games, stories, and manipulatives. CASA classes receive 30 minutes of French 4 times per week, with age-appropriate vocabulary, sequencing, and conversational activities. French lessons are included in program fees - there is no additional charge.

The answer to this depends on each child and their own natural ability.

In general, the Toddler child will be ready for the Casa program; they have completed or are nearing the end of potty training, they have mastered basic self-help skills, can see an activity through to completion and have a basic understanding of a Montessori classroom routine.  

For the Casa child, the same rule applies; it depends upon the child and his/her own natural ability.  For most Casa children though, they have a solid understanding of language and all four mathematical operations, they are able to compose their own stories and journal entries, have developed basic researching skills, can care for themselves and others in many ways, and possess a solid understanding of community and what it means to be part of a team.

For the 2026–27 academic year, AGMS tuition is:

Toddler Program (15 months –2.5 years): $1,870 per month / $18,700 total annual

CASA Program (2.5 – 6 years): $1,730 per month / $17,300 total annual

Tuition is paid via a non-refundable enrolment deposit (covering June) plus nine post-dated cheques dated September 1 through May 1. A one-time non-refundable Application Fee of $650 applies to new students.

These fees cover the core academic program including French, Yoga, and Gym. Lunch is mandatory and charged separately at $210/month. Extended hours care is optional at additional cost.

Please see late policy – For children with a registered drop-off time of 9:00 a.m., may be dropped off any time after 8:50 a.m. A fee of $15 will be charged for children that are dropped off earlier than 8:50 a.m.

For children with a registered pick-up time of 4:00 p.m., a grace period of 15 minutes will be allowed. A late fee of $15 will be charged to the parents if the children are picked up between the time of 4:16 p.m. – 4:30 p.m, with or without notice.

A late fee of $50 will be charged after 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. when less than 24hrs notice is provided to the school; $40 will be charged if more than 24hrs notice is provided. An additional late pickup fee, according to the 6:00pm pick up policy, will be applied if your child is picked up after 6:00pm.  

For a child with a registered pick-up time of 6:00 p.m., a fee of $10 will be imposed for the first five minutes and $10.00 for each additional five-minute segment, or part thereof; see the following examples:

There is no grace period for pick-up after 6:00 p.m.

AGMS only offers full days program and full time program as a CCMA (Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators) accredited school. Children thrive on consistency and routine and it is in their best interest to be enrolled in a consistent program.

AGMS requires at 60 days notice of withdrawal, at which point, no further fees will be collected.

Our school policy is to call the parent when the child falls ill, and we require the child to be picked up after 2 bouts of vomiting or diarrhea.  A child with a fever must be sent home.  In either case, the child may not return to school until they have been symptom free for a full 24 hours without the aid of medication.

Tuition cannot be returned unless you choose to withdraw from the school.

We ask that children entering the Casa program are potty trained, but sometimes forces outside our control make this difficult. Casa teachers will assist the child in being successful in mastering this skill, but can only do so when the parents are on board.  It must be a mutually agreed upon process.  The same can be said of Toddlers beginning potty training.  The class will approach this matter, with dedicated time throughout the day for toileting.

At AGMS, we pride ourselves on the relationships we build with the parents and children.  Our teachers are available through many means to assist parents, at any time.  Our staff can be reached through email, by telephone and through face-to-face communication at the beginning or end of your child’s day. Each Toddler has a daily journal where the child’s day is detailed (i.e. food eaten, toileting, sleep time, etc.), reminders are posted and questions can be left for the teacher if she is not available at time of pickup. Parent-Teacher interviews are held 3 times per year in an effort to keep parents up to date regarding their child’s progress.  We prefer any concerns are met and dealt with in a timely manner, through face-to-face communication in order to alleviate any further issues. Communication is the key to a successful school-home relationship.

School trips are an excellent way to expand upon themes and lessons given within the classroom. Our trips are educational in nature and tend to occur when the weather is agreeable. During the winter months, AGMS invites groups into the school for in-class visits to enhance our curriculum.

AGMS’s lunch program is catered by Yummy Catering with menu variations offered on a 4 week rotation.

Details of our sample menu: https://www.aspengrovemontessori.com/programs#food

The safety and wellbeing of the children is our first priority – AGMS takes food restrictions and allergies very seriously. AGMS is a nut-free and allergen free facility and we do not allow outside food to be brought into the school in an effort to eliminate any health and safety hazards to the children.